Commercial Account Handler in Preston

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It's what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities - work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

With a no limits approach, we can rise to any challenge. Whatever the question, the concern, or the risk, we can get the right people in a room and find the right answer. Our collective power is also helping us to change the insurance narrative - doing right by our clients while using insurance as a tool to build resilience for individuals, businesses and communities.

We are actively looking for a Commercial Account Handler to join our Howden Consumer & Local Commercial team. Our local Commercial team have grown rapidly over the last 14 years', and we now have over 200 people within the team across the UK. As a Commercial Account Handler, you will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with existing clients, actively reviewing client's insurance needs to enhance protection for their businesses, while also proactively acquiring new clients. This role is pivotal in achieving the Branch/Groups client retention targets through exceptional service and resource available throughout the Howden Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute ways to self-generate new business and maximise opportunities within our insurer panel.
• Maintain meticulous records of client interactions, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis, utilising the diary system effectively.
• Produce accurate and professional documentation consistently, adhering to Howden standards.
• Process adjustments promptly, ensuring notification to insurers, issuing revised documentation, and managing additional or return premium collection and refund.
• Actively cross-sell products from other Divisions, enhancing client value and deepening business relationships by collaborating with other branches and Group Resources as necessary to provide comprehensive service.
• Establish and manage a tailored renewal strategy for each client, aligning with the division's procedures and goals to optimise renewal success.
• Ensure clients are correctly and adequately insured, providing expert advice to address all insurance exposures.
• Support the Division in achieving targets through proactive client engagement
• Maintain professional competence by adhering to Howden Training and Competence procedures.
• Seek and respond to client feedback, continuously improving service quality.
• Conduct market exercises to secure the most appropriate cover for the clients needs and at competitive terms.
• Present renewal terms to clients with clarity and precision, ensuring contract certainty.
• Guarantee premium collection prior to cover commencement, following Howden procedures.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to self-generate business and identify new opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with a focus on client retention and satisfaction.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in using Computers
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and professionalism in documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with various areas of the business.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on renewal strategies and retention targets.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with regulatory standards.

Rewards

We believe that great work and dedication should be rewarded, that's why we offer:

A set of core benefits, designed with your health and financial protection in mind:

• 22 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing through length of service
• Life Assurance up to 4x salary, protecting your loved ones in case the worst should happen
• Income protection, guaranteeing an income for up to 5 years in the event of an illness or injury
• Contributory pension scheme - 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution, rising to 5% & 5% in April 2025
• Access to a Healthcare Cashplan, which gives you access to a variety of health related benefits
• Access to a host of lifestyle and financial benefits that you can choose from:
• Discounts on gym membership across the UK
• Salary sacrifice schemes - Travel Insurance, Cycle to Work, Car leasing, Technology purchase
• Access to discounted personal health policies - Critical illness, private medical, dental plans
• A range of insurance products available commission free, including home, motor, travel and specialist vehicles
• Access to hundreds of high-street retailer disco